Watson: Daisy will never return to best

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Callum Sinclair of the Swans and Dale Thomas of the Blues bump each other during the NAB Challenge AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium on March 11, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Tim Watson says he doubts whether Dale Thomas will be able to resurrect his AFL career.

Thomas has been heavily criticised since crossing to Carlton, struggling for form and game time as injuries have crippled his time at the Blues.

Fox Footy commentator David King said over the weekend that Thomas’ kicking is not up to AFL standard, while Kevin Bartlett stated that the 28-year-old is not in Carlton’s best 22.

Speaking on SEN Radio, Essendon great Tim Watson said Thomas is not the player he use to be and doubts whether he can return to his best.

“I don’t think his play, his overall contribution is what it should be now,” Watson said.

“He’s got a massive year ahead of him, he’s got to resurrect his career at Carlton.

“I think the jury’s out on that, I’m not sure that he can – I don’t think we’re going to see the same Dale Thomas that we saw a number of years ago when Ross Lyon labelled him the number one player in the competition.”